Albania: U.S. Condemns Weekend Attack On Prime Minister

Washington, 8 April 1997 (RFE/RL) - The United States yesterday condemned Saturday's attack on Albanian Prime Minister Bashkim Fino and expressed continued support for his government of national reconciliation.

State Department spokesman Nicholas Burns said the United States remains committed to working with Fino's government.

He said the United States. was deeply disturbed by the attack and calls on all Albanians not to undermine the process of stabilization, to refrain from violence and to pursue their concerns through dialogue.

Burns said it is the responsibility of all Albanians to ensure the success of the government which was formed with the agreement of all major Albanian parties through international mediation.

He said Fino's government has broad international support, including the United States. He said the United States also supports the efforts of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe to restore peace and order in Albania.

An international force from OSCE countries, sanctioned by the United Nations, is to begin arriving in Albania next week. The multinational security force led by Italy, will also include 400 troops from Romania, and others from France, Greece, Turkey and Spain.